EyebrarianPrize winnersGet the app

Books › Wishes

Cover of Wishes

Wishes

Jude Deveraux

337 pages

A cozy, nostalgic historical romance where the sweet, overlooked wallflower finally steps out of her sister's shadow to claim a dashing hero.

Where to buyBooks like this

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like wrapping yourself in the comforting, nostalgic embrace of a classic 90s historical romance. It delivers a deeply satisfying Cinderella-esque fantasy, centering on a sweet, overlooked wallflower who finally gets her moment in the sun. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging pace, balancing the swoony, earnest romance with the delicious, slightly melodramatic tension of sibling rivalry. There is a profound coziness to the atmosphere, bolstered by the hero's unwavering appreciation for the heroine's inner beauty and quiet strength. Deveraux’s prose is accessible and dialogue-heavy, pulling you effortlessly through an uplifting emotional arc. It is a perfect, feel-good escape for anyone who loves watching a selfless heroine discover her own worth and secure a triumphant happily-ever-after.

Mood
  • cozy
  • uplifting
  • nostalgic
  • swoony
Tone
  • earnest
  • romantic
  • playful
  • warm
Pace
brisk
Themes
wallflower blooming · sibling rivalry · inner beauty · self-worth · Cinderella trope
The writing
Accessible and emotionally expressive, leaning into the comforting, dialogue-heavy charm of classic historical romance.
The arc
Moves from quiet resignation and deep self-doubt to joyful self-discovery and triumphant romantic fulfillment.
Who it's for
Readers who adore a classic Cinderella story where the sweet, overlooked sister finally claims her own worth and the dashing hero.
Content notes
  • sibling emotional abuse
  • body image insecurities

About the book

Jace Montgomery was a stranger in Chandler. Tall, proud, and ruggedly handsome, he would make any woman’s heart beat faster...

Even shy, sweet Nellie Grayson — Nellie, who thought only of her beautiful younger sister’s happiness. With Nellie’s tireless aid, Terel Grayson easily became the belle of Chandler, Colorado.

Yet Jace, homesick for his closeknit family in Maine, took immediately to Nellie. For the first time, Nellie was the center of attention. It was a heady, delightful feeling...almost as wonderful as the moment when Jace gave her her very first kiss.

Nellie was sure her romantic idyll would end — how long could Jace resist the lovely Terel’s charms? But with the help of an enchanting new friend, Nellie would discover that her flirtatious sister might not be the woman to win the gallant Jace Montgomery....

Montgomery/Taggert (in chronological order): The Black Lyon (Montgomery/Taggert, #1) The Maiden (Montgomery/Taggert, #2) The Velvet Promise (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #3) Highland Velvet (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #4) Velvet Song (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #3) (Montgomery/Taggert, #5) Velvet Angel (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #4) (Montgomery/Taggert, #6) The Velvet Quartet Velvet (Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #1-4) The Heiress (Montgomery/Taggert, #7) The Raider (Montgomery/Taggert, #8) Mountain Laurel (Montgomery/Taggert, #9) Eternity (Montgomery/Taggert, #10) The Duchess (Montgomery/Taggert, #11) Twin of Fire (Chandler Twins, #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #13) Twin of Ice (Chandler Twins, #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #12) The Temptress (Montgomery/Taggert, #14) Wishes (Montgomery/Taggert, #15) The Awakening (Montgomery/Taggert, #16) The Invitation from “The Invitation” (Montgomery/Taggert, #17) The Princess (Montgomery/Taggert, #18) A Knight in Shining Armor (Montgomery/Taggert Family, #19) Sweet Liar (Montgomery/Taggert, #20) Matchmakers from “The Invitation” (Montgomery/Taggert, #21) Change of Heart from “A Holiday of Love” (Montgomery/Taggert, #22) Just Curious from “A gift of Love” (Montgomery/Taggert, #23) High Tide (Montgomery/Taggert, #24) Holly (Montgomery/Taggert, #25) Someone to Love (Montgomery/Taggert, #26) Forever... (Forever, #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #27) Forever and Always (Forever, #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #28) Always (Forever Trilogy #3) (Montgomery/Taggert, #29) True Love (Nantucket Brides, #1)(Montgomery/Taggert, #30) For All Time (Nantucket Brides, #2)(Montgomery/Taggert, #31) Ever After (Nantucket Brides, #3)(Montgomery/Taggert, #32) Met Her Match (Montgomery/Taggert, #33) Simple Gifts: Just Curious / Miracles / Change of Heart / Double Exposure (Montgomery/Taggert)

Description from Open Library.

Books like Wishes

See why they match